tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32679652963473792532018-03-11T15:54:26.542-07:00Jane's Girl DesignsJanes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-24825931924331996002013-12-15T07:58:00.000-08:002013-12-15T08:01:27.763-08:00A Fairy VillageFear not...while I haven't been posting on the blog, I've still been busy crafting to my little heart's desire.&nbsp; I love a good Christmas craft - it's&nbsp; a great chance to try something new and make a gift that you know someone won't already have.&nbsp; My nieces, Maggie and Molly, are 3 and nearly 5.&nbsp; I try to make them gifts as much as possible because they already seem to have so many toys and well, making stuff for kids is fun.&nbsp; So, for their Christmas Gift I constructed a fairy village inside of an old suitcase.&nbsp; And what's a good craft without a tutorial???<br /><br />A lot of my inspiration came from <a href="http://www.lilblueboo.com/2011/06/a-mini-birdhouse-fairy-village-a-tutorial.html" target="_blank">lilblueboo.com</a> - you really need to check out this amazing blog if you haven't already.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJW2oscDr1g/Uq3IM55kKQI/AAAAAAAABKo/zL5OcoQpPsc/s1600/Fairy+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJW2oscDr1g/Uq3IM55kKQI/AAAAAAAABKo/zL5OcoQpPsc/s640/Fairy+Village.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><u>Here's what you'll need to make your own:</u><br />- an old suitcase, hat box, or some container that will hold your little village<br />- newspaper/paper towels<br />- flour and water (and a bowl to mix it up in)<br />- paint (I used a mixture of spray paint and craft paints - just whatever I already had)<br />- miniature birdhouses (available at Michaels and JoAnn's for $1 each)<br />- a dremel or small handsaw to cut the doorways out of the birdhouses<br />- modpodge and glue<br />- various items to accessorize (I used pennies, scrabble tiles, buttons, little rocks, scrap booking papers and old maps, miniature flowers and flowerpots, leaves from old fake plants, etc.)<br /><br />Start by preparing your item to become a little village.&nbsp; I created paper mache with a mixture of flower and water (I don't boil it, I just mix flour and water until I have a nice soupy mixture).&nbsp; Then I crumpled up newspapers to make little hills in the village and cover with strips of paper mache newspaper to create your hills.&nbsp; I also used crumpled paper mache newspaper pieces all over the bottom of my suitcase to make the ground have some texture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-C0nM9_xtQ/Uq3JsDc4f9I/AAAAAAAABK0/1a81G_YdTgo/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-C0nM9_xtQ/Uq3JsDc4f9I/AAAAAAAABK0/1a81G_YdTgo/s640/IMG_2004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here's what my hills looked like still just a wet heap of newspaper.&nbsp; Doesn't look like much until you paint it.<br /><br />Once your paper mache hills have dried and you're happy with them, then you'll need to paint the entire inside of your suitcase.&nbsp; As you can see, mine looked pretty gross inside before I painted it.&nbsp; I used spray paint so I masked off the outside and parts I didn't want spray painted really well before I started.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-co_GnTmzkHE/Uq3KVVRLlCI/AAAAAAAABK8/btawunyoG6g/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-co_GnTmzkHE/Uq3KVVRLlCI/AAAAAAAABK8/btawunyoG6g/s640/IMG_2008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used a dark green for the bottom and a sky blue color on the top.&nbsp; Once the base colors were dry I also added a little creek bed with a brown streak of spray paint through the middle of the village floor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYUfTHWjUE0/Uq3KmagIkdI/AAAAAAAABLE/Fstwt8aWFv4/s1600/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYUfTHWjUE0/Uq3KmagIkdI/AAAAAAAABLE/Fstwt8aWFv4/s640/IMG_2009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once your spray paint is all dry, use a sponge to go back and add clouds to the sky.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp-ajjVPmJI/Uq3LMpX-IgI/AAAAAAAABLM/TGzXnaJxKbE/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp-ajjVPmJI/Uq3LMpX-IgI/AAAAAAAABLM/TGzXnaJxKbE/s640/IMG_2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also glued rocks to the stream bed...make sure to glue everything down REALLY well because your entire village will be picked up and moved so you don't want things moving around.&nbsp; I also covered all my rocks with glossy mod podge so that they are stuck on really well and it gives them a glossy look.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4UFxiLo1pM/Uq3LpQCxAiI/AAAAAAAABLU/6DPKPkmgEus/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4UFxiLo1pM/Uq3LpQCxAiI/AAAAAAAABLU/6DPKPkmgEus/s640/IMG_2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To give the ground more dimension, I used my sponge to add some bright green paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yHUAf74i1k/Uq3L9ZRgiFI/AAAAAAAABLc/IUjMH9Rhbn0/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yHUAf74i1k/Uq3L9ZRgiFI/AAAAAAAABLc/IUjMH9Rhbn0/s640/IMG_2019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To get your little birdhouses ready for the village, you need to turn them from birdhouses into fairy houses.&nbsp; I used a little dremel to cut the bird holes into doors.&nbsp; I also used scissors to cut off the little rope that comes from the top of the houses.<br /><br />I sprayed all of my houses with spray paint and then used other paints, scrap booking papers, and random found things to decorate them.<br /><br />Then comes the fun part - glue your houses down and accessorize, making paths, gardens, etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44kCz-DUn3c/Uq3MvOEQOXI/AAAAAAAABLk/2vA8J1seZLU/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44kCz-DUn3c/Uq3MvOEQOXI/AAAAAAAABLk/2vA8J1seZLU/s640/IMG_2026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I decorated one house to look like a little mushroom.&nbsp; I also found this cute little fence at JoAnn's - I spray painted it white and bent it so that it forms a little garden full of paper flowers.&nbsp; The little flowerpots are from Michaels.&nbsp; I spray painted them red and glued in some little flowers.&nbsp; I used buttons to make a little pathway to the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFmDCUHEMHk/Uq3NXXzBhnI/AAAAAAAABLs/Q2wcJMcT2Ok/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFmDCUHEMHk/Uq3NXXzBhnI/AAAAAAAABLs/Q2wcJMcT2Ok/s640/IMG_2027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This little house has a little bunting made from an old road atlas and baker's twine.&nbsp; I also made a pathway using pennies and decorated the house using some copper foil and scrap booking paper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTpRlCElB9U/Uq3OMu2RhJI/AAAAAAAABL4/H9LR7B8kEAo/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTpRlCElB9U/Uq3OMu2RhJI/AAAAAAAABL4/H9LR7B8kEAo/s640/IMG_2028.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I decorated a few other houses using small seashells and fake plants.&nbsp; I made another pathway from old scrabble tiles and make a little bridge using a parcel post label.&nbsp; Decorating with all the little bits was my favorite part - I used Aileen's glue to make sure everything was adhered really well so that when the village gets picked up and carried around nothing will shake loose.<br /><br />To go with your fairy village, Disney makes some cute little 2" plastic figurines available on Amazon...available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Fairies-Tinker-Tinkerbell-Terrence/dp/B004IU41JE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1387123187&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=disney+miniature+fairies" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVBW-V8B0eU/Uq3SGyftJuI/AAAAAAAABMQ/uam4v-QNvgY/s1600/Disney+Fairies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVBW-V8B0eU/Uq3SGyftJuI/AAAAAAAABMQ/uam4v-QNvgY/s320/Disney+Fairies.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<i>Image from Amazon.com</i></div><br />And here it is all done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJW2oscDr1g/Uq3IM55kKQI/AAAAAAAABKs/_icZT0sRz5M/s1600/Fairy+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJW2oscDr1g/Uq3IM55kKQI/AAAAAAAABKs/_icZT0sRz5M/s640/Fairy+Village.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFJxGfSH09E/Uq3Qfz1DwqI/AAAAAAAABME/gEMPkIacRcw/s1600/Fairy+Village+jgirldesigns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFJxGfSH09E/Uq3Qfz1DwqI/AAAAAAAABME/gEMPkIacRcw/s640/Fairy+Village+jgirldesigns.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><br />Thanks for coming by and checking it out!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-2229375124313516032013-06-09T15:50:00.000-07:002013-06-09T15:50:23.677-07:00Landscaping and Crafting!I LOVE summer.&nbsp; I love nice weather, being outside, and of course expanding my crafting beyond the four walls of my house.<br /><br />In case you haven't noticed, I've shut down my Etsy shop indefinitely.&nbsp; I was sad to shut it down in a way - it was really successful and I had a number of people want boards after I shut down.&nbsp; BUT, I was so completely overwhelmed.&nbsp; I work full time and am a newlywed, so something's gotta give.&nbsp; Plus, I was honestly getting a little burned out with birthday boards...although it was really fun to think about my handcrafted items making their way around the world!&nbsp; I'm still crafting away and making things for local craft fairs (come see me in Prairie Village on July 4th again this year!), but now I can make things at my own pace and fill up my free time with other fun projects.<br /><br />Speaking of other fun projects...we've been super busy at our house.&nbsp; About a month ago I decided our backyard was pretty boring so we've decided to spruce things up.<br /><br />We started with our deck.&nbsp; It's a simple deck with a roof...and before we had nothing but a small table and chairs set.&nbsp; And now...my little oasis :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXMZ1CQ58m4/UbUAc5bip4I/AAAAAAAABHI/ep8q5Ot4xo4/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXMZ1CQ58m4/UbUAc5bip4I/AAAAAAAABHI/ep8q5Ot4xo4/s640/IMG_1793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The chair, ottoman, loveseat, and area rug are all from Home Depot and really those were the only new purchases.&nbsp; That wicker trunk was a gift from my sister when I graduated high school (so yes, it's over a decade old).&nbsp; The two glass pillar candle holders were from Pier One last year.<br /><br />Here are a few of my favorite things from the deck...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EosMLmLIAjo/UbUA0kP5HzI/AAAAAAAABHQ/f_kKy8G8CW8/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EosMLmLIAjo/UbUA0kP5HzI/AAAAAAAABHQ/f_kKy8G8CW8/s640/IMG_1795.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />When pigs can fly bell.&nbsp; Hobby Lobby.&nbsp; Half Price.&nbsp; So about $7.&nbsp; SOLD!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zz3Tn9DHds/UbUA_9KNL2I/AAAAAAAABHY/cJnnVMyTO1c/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zz3Tn9DHds/UbUA_9KNL2I/AAAAAAAABHY/cJnnVMyTO1c/s640/IMG_1796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A happy little gnome.&nbsp; Once again Hobby Lobby, half price.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PExIXzEO-6U/UbUBNMHVZjI/AAAAAAAABHg/EFmswyFToms/s1600/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PExIXzEO-6U/UbUBNMHVZjI/AAAAAAAABHg/EFmswyFToms/s640/IMG_1798.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />This little cart is a hand me down from my parents and a great place to keep pots of flowers and lavender.&nbsp; Oh, and that little bird cage...it was the card holder at our wedding.&nbsp; I just took the sign off of it and threw a pot in it.<br /><br />After the deck, I decided to tackle a vegetable garden.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0jLW9YMcxw/UbUBjuosBmI/AAAAAAAABHo/GgKRlVSsD9U/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0jLW9YMcxw/UbUBjuosBmI/AAAAAAAABHo/GgKRlVSsD9U/s640/IMG_1803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I did this all by myself.&nbsp; In 3 hours.&nbsp; (pause for applause).&nbsp; No, seriously though...that was probably a bad idea.&nbsp; I ended up getting pretty sick afterward and thought it was just allergies but then it turned into a sinus infection.&nbsp; Moral of the story, no need to rock star it and do it all by yourself in one afternoon.<br /><br />These raised beds were a kit from Home Depot (yes, we practically live at Home Depot).&nbsp; I started by staking out a good spot in my yard - plenty of sunshine and easy to mow around.&nbsp; Then I put together my beds which only took about 20 minutes.&nbsp; The kit is pretty awesome.&nbsp; I laid cardboard down on the bottom to stop any weeds/grass from growing up into my beds.&nbsp; Then filled with 30, yes 30, bags of soil.&nbsp; Mostly top soil with a few bags of garden soil mixed in on top.&nbsp; The lower bed houses herbs while the higher bed holds tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.&nbsp; The best part about these kits - you can always buy another set and build on because they all interlock together.&nbsp; Perhaps next year...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG4h4b_2vQs/UbUCcYTsR2I/AAAAAAAABH0/kRFGy1_3ufE/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG4h4b_2vQs/UbUCcYTsR2I/AAAAAAAABH0/kRFGy1_3ufE/s640/IMG_1806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here's a close up of my herbs.&nbsp; I made my own garden markers using some scrap wood.&nbsp; I just cut the wood at an angle so I could stake it into the ground.&nbsp; Then I painted them all with some leftover craft paint, wrote the herb name using white paint pen, then sealed them in with multiple coats of clear coat spray paint.&nbsp; It was a quick project using materials laying around the house.<br /><br />Then this weekend I ran up to Home Depot to grab a few plants for our front yard and accidentally bought a bunch of flowers.&nbsp; Sooo...time for a flower garden!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Leh8-7BV7Tw/UbUDCS2IsaI/AAAAAAAABH8/gADGhqn65OU/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Leh8-7BV7Tw/UbUDCS2IsaI/AAAAAAAABH8/gADGhqn65OU/s640/IMG_1812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So this spot in our yard was honestly just some grass that wasn't in great shape after recent sprinkler repair.&nbsp; We started by using a garden hose to mark out where we wanted our bed to be.&nbsp; Mr. JG sprayed the spot with paint so we'd know were to dig.&nbsp; Then, we dug it up.&nbsp; We left a trench around the edge and put in some plastic edging, hammering into place with some spikes.&nbsp; Once we had our bed made, we arranged our plants in the bed.&nbsp; Mr. JG had to dig up holes for all of them (his back still hurts...he's pretty awesome to do this for me).&nbsp; Once the holes were dug, we laid down weed barrier fabric and cut out spots where the plants will go.&nbsp; Then we planted them.&nbsp; Our soil is pretty much clay, so I added some garden soil around the plants when I planted them with the hope it will give them a little better shot at surviving.&nbsp; Then, 5 bags of brown mulch covered the top and boom, instant flower garden.<br /><br />I have no idea how these flowers will do - but they all said they needed a nice sunny spot, so here's hoping!&nbsp; Just in case you're curious, from left to right, the flowers are Camelot Lavender Foxglove, coral drift roses, speedwell royal candles, clematis (in the back with the trellis), orchid primrose, coral bells, more roses, and more royal candles.<br /><br />And, what's a garden without a little crafting...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-TmJCXK7mM/UbUEvBg9z2I/AAAAAAAABIM/XtNSX_Qu0g8/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-TmJCXK7mM/UbUEvBg9z2I/AAAAAAAABIM/XtNSX_Qu0g8/s640/IMG_1813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I made these teacup bird baths using some garage sale teacups and saucers, copper tubing, and a cap for the copper tube.&nbsp; Glue the cup to the saucer using a strong adhesive (I used a gorilla glue) then attach the bottom of the saucer to a copper cap using adhesive.&nbsp; I had to use epoxy for this because my gorilla glue wouldn't hold it.&nbsp; You can get copper tubing from Home Depot or any hardware store - then cut it into sections (mine were 4' long) using a hacksaw.&nbsp; Hammer your tubing down into the ground then stick your cap with attached cup onto the tubing.&nbsp; The cup can be filled with water and become a little birdbath and the saucer holds seeds.&nbsp; You're welcome birds, you're welcome.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLSHxf1w2L8/UbUFagtKTOI/AAAAAAAABIU/nra-qwS0BrE/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLSHxf1w2L8/UbUFagtKTOI/AAAAAAAABIU/nra-qwS0BrE/s640/IMG_1819.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Finally, we added a few hanging plants to our back deck...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13Yv-xsTCVU/UbUFnJBIE3I/AAAAAAAABIc/x6Pe8UqveO8/s1600/IMG_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-13Yv-xsTCVU/UbUFnJBIE3I/AAAAAAAABIc/x6Pe8UqveO8/s640/IMG_1801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And now...I think it's time for a backyard party!&nbsp; Who's in?Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-69988751188415636662013-04-13T11:51:00.001-07:002013-04-13T11:51:30.425-07:00Chevron Quilt TutorialWell I finally took the time a few weeks ago to recreate one of my favorite pinterest pins - the Chevron Baby Quilt.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU8QFQv0ogk/UWmnr92K7YI/AAAAAAAABGA/_aZsQZe6gRw/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU8QFQv0ogk/UWmnr92K7YI/AAAAAAAABGA/_aZsQZe6gRw/s640/IMG_1745.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Ok, so yeah, it's a baby quilt.&nbsp; And, no...we're not pregnant.&nbsp; And, no...we're not trying to get pregnant quite yet.&nbsp; But, it's such a cute quilt so I figure it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and make it.&nbsp; Plus, the materials were super cheap considering it doesn't take much to make a baby quilt.<br /><br />I pinned a similar quilt on pinterest a while ago but there was no actual tutorial to go along with it.&nbsp; So, I made mine up as I went and figured I'd post some instructions.<br /><br />Here's what you'll need:<br /><br />1.5 yd gray fabric<br />1 yd white fabric<br />2 yd yellow fabric (for the backing)<br />1 baby quilt size batting - I used the 100% natural cotton kind<br />2 packages (6yds) white quilt bias tape (you can make your own if you want, but I'm lazy and hate that much ironing/quilting unless I'm using a specific patterned fabric and want to match my bias tape to that)<br /><br />You'll also want - sewing machine, quilting pins, iron, rotary cutter w/ mat and clear cutting ruler<br /><br />I made my chevron pattern using triangles - this means my points are not super crisp if you look up close.&nbsp; However, this was the easiest way I could think of to make this quilt and I don't mind the un-crisp points (or whatever you want to call them).<br /><br />Finished Size: 36.5" x 52"<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />PREWASH YOUR FABRIC!!<br /><br />(1) Cut out your triangle pieces.&nbsp; I started by cutting my white and gray fabric into 7" x 5" rectangles.&nbsp; I didn't do perfect squares because I wanted a little bit longer chevron.&nbsp; Then I cut those squares in half diagonally to get two triangles from each (the triangles have a 7" side and a 5" side that meet to form a right angle).&nbsp; You'll need&nbsp;between 55 and 65 triangles in each color.<br /><br />(2) Lay out your triangles to form the chevron pattern.&nbsp; Don't just try to draw it out in your head - use a big table and lay out your triangles.&nbsp; Trust me, it gets too confusing to do it otherwise.&nbsp; My quilt is 5 triangles wide and has a total of 11 rectangle rows (each rectangle row is two triangles put together to form a rectangle).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMJKdbxxeJ0/UWmoOTohtQI/AAAAAAAABGE/yKhy3EuFRm0/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMJKdbxxeJ0/UWmoOTohtQI/AAAAAAAABGE/yKhy3EuFRm0/s640/IMG_1753.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />(3) Sew each of your white and gray triangle pairs together so that you have rows of rectangles that form your pattern.&nbsp; Anytime to sew two pieces together throughout this pattern, make sure to iron your seams open on the back to keep your edges looking nice.&nbsp; I used cheaper white and gray fabric so you can see a bit of my unfinished edges through the fabric - I was glad I ironed them all open so they look nice.<br /><br />(4) Sew the short ends of your rectangles together to form sewn rows.&nbsp; Once you've sewn all of your rows, then you'll sew them all together to form your quilt top.&nbsp; I'm sorry - I didn't take pictures as I did this but it's really pretty straightforward.<br /><br />(5) Once you have your quilt top, you'll want to go along your outside edges and even them out.&nbsp; I had to trim a few of my edges down so they'd all be even.<br /><br />(6) Once you have your quilt edges trimmed down, put a 3" strip around your quilt top - I used gray for mine.&nbsp; Sew the 3" strips around your entire quilt top and iron your seams open.&nbsp; <br /><br />(7)&nbsp; Now you're ready to attach your back and batting.&nbsp; I used our large coffee table to put my quilt together.&nbsp; I started by laying my backing fabric out, right side down.&nbsp; Then I laid out my baby quilt batting on top, then topped it off with my quilt top, right side out.&nbsp; I used large quilt pins and pinned it all together a lot - I had a pin in every triangle and a number of pins around the edges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP3owa5yfqk/UWmozbdPLwI/AAAAAAAABGU/cdU6CzMrCrA/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP3owa5yfqk/UWmozbdPLwI/AAAAAAAABGU/cdU6CzMrCrA/s640/IMG_1754.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />(8) Now to quilt mine, I simply ran it through the machine and lined up the edge of my presser foot along my seam lines where the gray and white met.&nbsp; I sewed a line on each side of the seam line where the two colors met&nbsp;- this left me with a quilting in a chevron pattern.&nbsp; I also sort of faked my points by sewing all the way out to a point on the chevron pattern, even though I often didn't have a really sharp point due to the way I pieced the quilt together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujJt4BchBM8/UWmobQwuOKI/AAAAAAAABGM/0kbN_x-DoB4/s1600/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujJt4BchBM8/UWmobQwuOKI/AAAAAAAABGM/0kbN_x-DoB4/s640/IMG_1755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(9) I just used store-bought bias tape around the edges of my quilt to finish it off.&nbsp; It's easy to also make your own, it just takes a lot of ironing/cutting and I wasn't in the mood for all that.<br /><br />I like to wash quilts once I make them because I love how the fabric will sort of pucker up a little around the stitches.&nbsp; I gave mine a good wash once it was all done and considered it good to go!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU8QFQv0ogk/UWmnr92K7YI/AAAAAAAABGA/_aZsQZe6gRw/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU8QFQv0ogk/UWmnr92K7YI/AAAAAAAABGA/_aZsQZe6gRw/s640/IMG_1745.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Oh and P.S. - when I wasn't looking I hit over 100,000 blog views!&nbsp; Woo hoo!&nbsp; We should celebrate!&nbsp; I'm thinking cake...and wine...and more cake!<br /><br />Happy Crafting!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-29763060206700933032013-02-09T15:59:00.002-08:002013-02-09T15:59:57.713-08:00Yoga Bag - A Tutorial!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U80-JinHtz0/URaAX0jleeI/AAAAAAAABCM/qDjj1t4V0kc/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U80-JinHtz0/URaAX0jleeI/AAAAAAAABCM/qDjj1t4V0kc/s640/IMG_1691.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Sorry it's taken me so long to get this pattern posted...but I promise, it's worth the wait :)&nbsp; I started going to yoga a month ago and immediately fell in love with it!&nbsp; I've never been a big fan of working out, but this basic yoga class has been a great way for me to de-stress and get my brain to slow down a few times a week.<br /><br />So, what would any new hobby/passion be without a little bit of crafting to compliment it?&nbsp; Hence, the yoga mat bag.&nbsp;<br /><br />I found an awesome yoga mat bag on Amy Butler's website.&nbsp; I'm an Amy Butler addict - I use her fabric more than any other and love the way she mixing patterns and colors.&nbsp; I loved the pattern but it was pretty simple - I wanted more pockets, everything to be fully lined (including my pockets) and I wanted a bag that zipped open along the length of the mat.&nbsp; So, this pattern mixes a bit of the Amy Butler pattern with my own design.&nbsp;<br /><br />WARNING - this is my first in depth sewing pattern that I've written so it may not be super clear in some parts.&nbsp; I've tried to take a ton of pictures and if you are really confused, shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:janesgirldesigns@gmail.com">janesgirldesigns@gmail.com</a> and I'd be happy to try to explain a bit better! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMeJ7xZSnjw/URaAikpWmRI/AAAAAAAABCY/BPJrYqYzN6o/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMeJ7xZSnjw/URaAikpWmRI/AAAAAAAABCY/BPJrYqYzN6o/s640/IMG_1701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Materials:<br /><br />1 yd exterior fabric (54" wide mid-weight home decor fabric) - mine is the blue flower fabric (Valori Wells designer fabric)<br />1 yd interior fabric (44" wide light to mid-weight fabric) - mine is the pink fabric w/ teal dots (Amy Butler)<br />1/2 yd pocket fabric (44" wide light to mid-weight fabric) - mine is the blue tiki fabric (Amy Butler)<br />2 - 2" D rings (used to make the strap adjustable)<br />1 - 36" zipper (parka zipper)<br />Coordinating Thread<br /><a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/NigellaYogaBag.pdf" target="_blank">Amy Butler Nigella Yoga Bag Pattern</a> (you will need the circle template from her pattern) <br /><br />Other supplies:<br /><br />Sewing machine<br />Straight pins<br />Iron<br />Yard stick/ruler<br /><br /><b>&nbsp;(1) Cut out all of your fabric pieces:</b><br /><br /><u>From your exterior fabric:</u><br />(a) 2 circles from the Amy Butler PDF printable pattern - the printable pattern has half circles; place the flat edge of the pattern on the fold of your fabric to cut out a full circle<br />(b) 1 Exterior Main Panel: 19" x 28" rectangle<br />(c) 1 Exterior Pocket: 19" x 12" rectangle<br />(d) 2 Straps: 1 piece 18" x 8" rectangle; 1 piece 24" x 8" rectangle<br /><br /><u>From your interior fabric:</u><br />(a) 2 circles using your Amy Butler PDF printable pattern (same instructions from your exterior fabric circles)<br />(b) 1 Interior Main Panel: 19" x 28" rectangle<br />(c) 1 Interior Pocket Lining: 11" x 20" rectangle<br /><br /><u>From your Pocket Fabric:</u><br />(a) 1 Exterior Pocket Lining: 19" x 13" rectangle<br />(b) 1 Interior Pocket: 11" x 20" rectangle<br /><br /><b>(2)&nbsp; Construct your straps</b><br /><br />(a) Start with your 8" x 18" piece of fabric.&nbsp; Fold one short edge under 1/2", wrong sides together, and iron it down to create a nice finished edge on one short edge of your strap.&nbsp; Fold the strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together and iron a center crease, then open up the strap.&nbsp; Fold each long edge in toward the center and press.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivtJxVlCK1c/URaDyPfNUHI/AAAAAAAABCg/1JS_H8XA7Zg/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivtJxVlCK1c/URaDyPfNUHI/AAAAAAAABCg/1JS_H8XA7Zg/s640/IMG_1664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(b) Then fold the strap in half again at the center crease, enclosing the raw edges, and press it in place.&nbsp; Top stitch 1/4" in along both long edges and along your finished short edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDN4wsZZ_N4/URaEMnDsFNI/AAAAAAAABCo/TcgkBkXmoS0/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDN4wsZZ_N4/URaEMnDsFNI/AAAAAAAABCo/TcgkBkXmoS0/s640/IMG_1666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(c) Repeat steps (a) and (b) with your second piece of strap. <br /><br />(d) Following the instructions on your D-Ring packaging, slide both rings onto the finished edge of your shorter strap.&nbsp; Fold the finished edge of the strap over, holding the rings into place, and sew in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv2JDXp8gbU/URaErYhQZKI/AAAAAAAABCw/521hv0HG2Kc/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv2JDXp8gbU/URaErYhQZKI/AAAAAAAABCw/521hv0HG2Kc/s640/IMG_1674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(e) Set your straps aside - you will not need them again until your bag is nearly complete.<br /><br /><b>(3) Make your exterior pocket</b><br /><br />(a) Place the exterior pocket piece and the exterior pocket lining piece right sides together with the long sides lined up on one side (note - the lining piece is slightly larger than the exterior pocket piece, so just line up one one of the long sides).&nbsp; Sew a line 1/4" in from the long side that is lined up on both pieces of fabric.<br /><br />(b) Flip the two pieces so that the wrong sides are facing each other.&nbsp; Line up the opposite long edge and iron in place.&nbsp; There should be about 1" of your interior fabric along the finished edge (see picture.&nbsp; Then sew a top stitch 1/4" from the finished, ironed edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYE0bwg7O7k/URba5OeGVpI/AAAAAAAABDc/TS0oSj6_z0E/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XYE0bwg7O7k/URba5OeGVpI/AAAAAAAABDc/TS0oSj6_z0E/s640/IMG_1669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(c) Line up the unfinished 19" edge along with one of the 19" edges on your exterior main panel.&nbsp; Your exterior main panel fabric RIGHT side should be facing the pocket lining fabric side of your pocket piece (look at the picture for guidance).&nbsp; Pin into place.<br /><br />(d)&nbsp; Sew 1/4" in along the bottom 19" side, sewing the bottom of your pocket panel onto your bag.&nbsp; Then mark two lines, 5" in from each shorter side that go straight from the bottom of your pocket up to the top.&nbsp; I marked mine using chalk.&nbsp; Next sew along your marked lines straight up from the bottom edge to the top 19" edge of your pocket piece - creating 3 smaller pockets from your one large pocket.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1d2MMtczV6Y/URbbPmn1s1I/AAAAAAAABDk/ISkxg51SYWw/s1600/IMG_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1d2MMtczV6Y/URbbPmn1s1I/AAAAAAAABDk/ISkxg51SYWw/s640/IMG_1671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>(4) Piece together the exterior panels</b><br /><br />(a) Fold the 28" side of your exterior main panel 1/2" under, wrong sides together and press the fabric in place.&nbsp; Repeat on the other 28" side.&nbsp; Where you have multiple layers of fabric with your pockets, they should all be ironed under.&nbsp; Use straight pins to hold those pieces in place if needed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FrtZZGMnBs/URbbimEj5GI/AAAAAAAABDs/4STPg0Bcg5M/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FrtZZGMnBs/URbbimEj5GI/AAAAAAAABDs/4STPg0Bcg5M/s640/IMG_1675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(b) Attach your straps to your main panel by first folding the two 28" edges toward each other, wrong sides together.&nbsp; Each side of the strap needs to be pinned right in the middle of where your two 28" edges will line up.&nbsp; Look to picture to see how to pin straps.&nbsp; Once pinned in place, sew onto your main panel, 1/4" from edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYrV7h7MNZ0/URbbv21lk0I/AAAAAAAABD0/R8YAanchF1E/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYrV7h7MNZ0/URbbv21lk0I/AAAAAAAABD0/R8YAanchF1E/s640/IMG_1678.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vakCGYE4fg/URbb5GqTUtI/AAAAAAAABD8/4rAEgZtF03A/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vakCGYE4fg/URbb5GqTUtI/AAAAAAAABD8/4rAEgZtF03A/s640/IMG_1679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMuaGxau3NE/URbcCjsksLI/AAAAAAAABEE/IE1PpEm5WYI/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMuaGxau3NE/URbcCjsksLI/AAAAAAAABEE/IE1PpEm5WYI/s640/IMG_1680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(c)&nbsp; Your two exterior circles now need to be pinned and then attached to your exterior main panel.&nbsp; I folded and ironed my circle into quarters and did the same technique on my exterior main panel so that I have 4 ironed creases that I know need to line up.&nbsp; Sew a line 1/4" away from the edge on each of your 19" edges of your main panel.&nbsp; Then clip small Vs out of the main panel edge, 1/4" apart.&nbsp; Do not clip any further than your top stitch.&nbsp; This will keep your fabric from bunching up or having too much excess around that curved edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0BMwpTv96w/URbcMEVil5I/AAAAAAAABEM/Not6fL7I9Ps/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0BMwpTv96w/URbcMEVil5I/AAAAAAAABEM/Not6fL7I9Ps/s640/IMG_1682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8S71_XtfvU/URbcTLjLyRI/AAAAAAAABEU/r97bjZzloOI/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8S71_XtfvU/URbcTLjLyRI/AAAAAAAABEU/r97bjZzloOI/s640/IMG_1681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(d) Pin your circles to the exterior main panel, lining up your folded seams, with the RIGHT sides facing together.&nbsp; Once pinned into place, sew together using 1/2" seam allowance.&nbsp; Repeat with one circle on each end.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FK6rJb2rD0/URbciA8CR6I/AAAAAAAABEc/ZfvcwhBwrJA/s1600/IMG_1683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FK6rJb2rD0/URbciA8CR6I/AAAAAAAABEc/ZfvcwhBwrJA/s640/IMG_1683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(e) Once complete, turn your exterior right side out.&nbsp; Set your completed exterior aside so that you can complete the interior.<br /><br /><b>(5) Create your interior pocket</b><br /><br />(a) Line up your interior pocket and your interior pocket panel pieces, RIGHT sides together.&nbsp; They are exactly the same size so line up all 4 edges.&nbsp; Sew along all 4 edges with 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a 3-4" opening along one edge.&nbsp; Once sewn, flip the entire thing right side out using the opening you left yourself.&nbsp; Use scissors or a pencil to push out all of your corners.&nbsp; Iron down all of your corners and sew a top stitch 1/4" from the edge around the entire panel.<br /><br />(b) Center your pocket panel onto the right side of your interior main panel.&nbsp; To find the center, I recommend folding your interior panel in half, then in half again and pressing the creases.&nbsp; Do the same with your pocket piece then line up the ironed creases on both pieces.&nbsp; The long pieces of your pocket should be parallel with the long pieces of your main interior panel (as shown in the picture).&nbsp; Pin into place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tcbJsOaXuY/URbfMmD0eSI/AAAAAAAABEk/czNTOzCcRuM/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8tcbJsOaXuY/URbfMmD0eSI/AAAAAAAABEk/czNTOzCcRuM/s640/IMG_1686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(c) Sew along the two shorter edges of your pocket panel then along the iron creases, attaching the pocket piece to your main interior panel and creating 4 interior pockets.<br /><br /><b>(6) Piece together the interior of your bag</b><br /><br />(a) Repeat step 4(a) with the interior piece.<br /><br />(b) Repeat steps 4(c) and (d) to piece together the remainder of your interior panel.<br /><br /><b>(7) Attach the zipper</b><br /><br />(a) Place your completed interior into the completed exterior of your bag and line up your longer edges with the folded over seams.<br /><br />(b) Your zipper will go between the exterior and interior pieces on the long edges that have been folded under.&nbsp; Take your time to slowly and carefully pin your zipper between the two pieces of fabric on both sides and then sew it in place.&nbsp; I recommend using a zipper foot on your machine to attach the zipper.<br /><br />(c) To use the D rings on your straps, making them adjustable, place the strap WITHOUT the two D rings attached to it through both D rings.&nbsp; Loop the strap over the top ring and under the back ring - pull to secure.<br /><br />And yay - you're done and ready for yoga class!&nbsp; Here are a few more pictures of the finished bag...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1rZId0HX1A/URbfgP-Ep7I/AAAAAAAABEs/KZZkZqemIbA/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1rZId0HX1A/URbfgP-Ep7I/AAAAAAAABEs/KZZkZqemIbA/s640/IMG_1691.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTSbVh1auhk/URbfpjas6uI/AAAAAAAABE0/P8I5gmLgYSU/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTSbVh1auhk/URbfpjas6uI/AAAAAAAABE0/P8I5gmLgYSU/s640/IMG_1695.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHIXc4qHIfY/URbfyZlGRCI/AAAAAAAABE8/h6NUAiE-DXQ/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DHIXc4qHIfY/URbfyZlGRCI/AAAAAAAABE8/h6NUAiE-DXQ/s640/IMG_1697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jepKZ5D3nuY/URbf6avtW_I/AAAAAAAABFE/hkrYEQZlkdM/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jepKZ5D3nuY/URbf6avtW_I/AAAAAAAABFE/hkrYEQZlkdM/s640/IMG_1699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edMLYNNLcX8/URbgBfV4iKI/AAAAAAAABFM/j-5wUgvch7Y/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edMLYNNLcX8/URbgBfV4iKI/AAAAAAAABFM/j-5wUgvch7Y/s640/IMG_1701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just a few more notes on my bag.&nbsp; Yes, the zipper is a bit longer than you need and I could only find one of those double zipper pulls that can zip up each side.&nbsp; BUT, it works just fine and I just have excess zipper (and that second zipper pull that I never use) stuffed down in between my exterior and lining on one end of my bag so it really doesn't affect my bag at all.<br /><br />Also, I have a standard size yoga mat and this bag size works great.&nbsp; I'm able to easily and quickly get my mat in and out of my bag.&nbsp; I created this pattern with a long opening and zipper because my yoga mat is made with natural rubber so it's extra "sticky" which is great and keeps me from sliding around on it BUT I was afraid that without a big opening it would be a huge pain to try to slide it down into a tube bag with an opening on one end.<br /><br />My goal is to make a little eye pillow out of coordinating fabric...soon I hope!<br /><br />Good luck and email me if you have any questions at <a href="mailto:janesgirldesigns@gmail.com">janesgirldesigns@gmail.com</a>!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-33408720056076725362013-01-21T15:48:00.001-08:002013-01-21T16:04:33.861-08:00Hair Clips Board - a tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1KlsbVQerE/UP3VLWMqHlI/AAAAAAAABAg/MDZd-QunJwQ/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1KlsbVQerE/UP3VLWMqHlI/AAAAAAAABAg/MDZd-QunJwQ/s640/IMG_1591.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Hey ya'll...shoot it's been a loooong time since I posted!&nbsp; Yet I looked and noticed I'm averaging about 1,000 pageviews per day.&nbsp; WOW!&nbsp; I'm not sure how that happened but you won't hear me complaining!<br /><br />Sorry for being so distant lately!&nbsp; Here's what I've been up to...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4jHuVe25zM/UP3UilT6H-I/AAAAAAAABAI/ToJPqryNjbQ/s1600/IMG_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4jHuVe25zM/UP3UilT6H-I/AAAAAAAABAI/ToJPqryNjbQ/s640/IMG_1490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Christmas!<br /><br />I made a felt playhouse for my nieces - tutorial will be up here eventually (complete with PDF patterns...give me some time to get it all together, but get excited in the meantime!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E6s6Oc-bJ8/UP3Uwr40vkI/AAAAAAAABAQ/co65NpHQ5lY/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E6s6Oc-bJ8/UP3Uwr40vkI/AAAAAAAABAQ/co65NpHQ5lY/s640/IMG_1461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span id="goog_104389854"></span><span id="goog_104389855"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pWFRMX_-Yo/UP3U9pfMbrI/AAAAAAAABAY/Q5_2Q5P8yQQ/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pWFRMX_-Yo/UP3U9pfMbrI/AAAAAAAABAY/Q5_2Q5P8yQQ/s640/IMG_1472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I started a new job too!&nbsp; It's a really great opportunity but also super stressful and oh P.S., I have a tendency to get a little anxious.&nbsp; Sooo...that has been a bit draining for me over the last month.&nbsp; But don't fear...I'm still crafting when I'm not completely worn out.&nbsp; <br /><br />Here's my most recent projects and one of my favorites so far!&nbsp; My niece, Maggie, just turned 4...and what else could a big girl want other than???<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1KlsbVQerE/UP3VLWMqHlI/AAAAAAAABAg/MDZd-QunJwQ/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1KlsbVQerE/UP3VLWMqHlI/AAAAAAAABAg/MDZd-QunJwQ/s640/IMG_1591.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />A hair clip holder!&nbsp; <br /><br />I used to have something similar when I was her age and I loved it!&nbsp; I had a hair clip obsession (my friend Amanda had the most amazing hair clip collection EVER.&nbsp; I tried to explain this to Mr. JG the other day and how awesome it was...he wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1gUqG9lD-4/UP3WYU6GcJI/AAAAAAAABBg/p6kdy1LDVDQ/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1gUqG9lD-4/UP3WYU6GcJI/AAAAAAAABBg/p6kdy1LDVDQ/s640/IMG_1605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Anyway...Maggie seemed to like it (well as much as a 4 year old really likes anything...tough crowd at that age).<br /><br />And, I even took a few pictures along the way to create a tutorial...so here goes!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYPNTphFa64/UP3VUl8WG9I/AAAAAAAABAo/x4nkQiLBXpo/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYPNTphFa64/UP3VUl8WG9I/AAAAAAAABAo/x4nkQiLBXpo/s640/IMG_1588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><u>Materials:</u><br /><br />Wood Trim - Mine is about 5" wide; I get it unfinished at home depot for $2.98 a ft (this is the same board I used for all of my birthday boards) - you'll need around 1 ft for this job (I used 14" to be exact)<br /><br />Spray Paint (orange for mine; you can also use acrylic paint but I love spray paint because it's really quick and easy, no brush marks, and leaves a nice shiny finish)<br /><br />White vinyl &amp; a Cricut to cut the letters (no cricut?&nbsp; no worries - consider buying pre-cut letters, hand painting them on yourself, or using stencils and paint to do the job)<br /><br />A couple of cute ribbons<br /><br />Little saw tooth hangers and extra little bitty nails (there's always one or two extra in a saw tooth hanger package and I used these for all of the birthday boards I sold so I had quite a few extra that I just used)<br /><br />Glue (Aleene's Tacky Glue is my fav!&nbsp; At Maggie's birthday party my sister made the mistake of asking me when to use hot glue v. white glue...she got a 10 minute long answer)<br /><br />You'll also need - a hammer, a lighter/match, a place to spray paint where you won't accidently paint something like carpet (I spray paint outside on a tarp that just lives on our back patio)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgbeWUVkOso/UP3Ve9AV_sI/AAAAAAAABAw/gfnH6ZWDZAc/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgbeWUVkOso/UP3Ve9AV_sI/AAAAAAAABAw/gfnH6ZWDZAc/s640/IMG_1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Okay - got everything together?&nbsp; Here we go!<br /><br /><i>Wait, hold on a minute....just a note about cutting your trim piece.&nbsp; At Home Depot they sell this stuff by the yard, so you can just grab a long piece then walk up to that little cutting cart in the aisle and cut it down to size.&nbsp; I don't do this and don't recommend it if you can help it.&nbsp; Those hand saws at Home Depot suck!&nbsp; They have been on that cart cutting wood since the dawn of time and are never sharpened so you're edges end up looking crappy.&nbsp; I always buy a slightly longer piece and then take it home and cut it with my chop saw.&nbsp; If you have a chop saw - do this...your edges will look much nicer and you'll be glad you did!</i><br /><br />(1) Spray paint your board!&nbsp; Give it a few coats and hit it from all angles so you get all the edges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4i-t8vaG4w/UP3VpaJeyXI/AAAAAAAABA4/iCMc3xd6fXk/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4i-t8vaG4w/UP3VpaJeyXI/AAAAAAAABA4/iCMc3xd6fXk/s640/IMG_1579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(2) Cut out your vinyl letters on your cricut and apply them to your board.&nbsp; Or hand paint your letters if you don't have the cricut option.&nbsp; For my trim piece, my larger letters were 3" tall and my smaller letters were 1" tall.&nbsp; Oh and you're basically just flipping the trim upside down for this project so the part that would normally be the decorative top edge of your trim becomes the bottom decorative edge of your hair clip holder.<br /><br />(3) Cut 3 lengths of ribbon (mine were all about 2ft long) - cut them all the same length.&nbsp; Then, using your match/lighter, run the cut edges of your ribbon barely over the flame to sort of seal them in so they won't fray.&nbsp; I usually light a candle then hold mine over the candle flame.&nbsp; You have to be careful (especially with a light colored ribbon) not to singe the ribbon by getting it too close to the heat.<br /><br />(4)&nbsp; Glue the ribbon to the back of the board.&nbsp; I measured my board, found the center first, and glued my center ribbon down.&nbsp; Then I just glued the other two ribbons down equi-distant from the center.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-332NycwjwZE/UP3V65EgOcI/AAAAAAAABBI/v4dFqA7-644/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-332NycwjwZE/UP3V65EgOcI/AAAAAAAABBI/v4dFqA7-644/s640/IMG_1582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(5)&nbsp; Once your glue is dry, nail little nails through the ribbon into the back of the board.&nbsp; Make sure your nails aren't too long and they won't poke through the other side (it takes really small nails).&nbsp; These will help hold your ribbons on even if your glue gives up.&nbsp; I never trust glue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CdE5OCD5kE/UP3Vz33-IaI/AAAAAAAABBA/4myqdZsucow/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CdE5OCD5kE/UP3Vz33-IaI/AAAAAAAABBA/4myqdZsucow/s640/IMG_1583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(6)&nbsp; Nail on your sawtooth hangers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yWv9hlcpKI/UP3WBmCCf7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/8O47Aw6sU5k/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yWv9hlcpKI/UP3WBmCCf7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/8O47Aw6sU5k/s640/IMG_1585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />(7) Add your hair clips and hang 'er up!&nbsp; All done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDtqUHDyGUI/UP3WLZpBukI/AAAAAAAABBY/m92gCLngfFM/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDtqUHDyGUI/UP3WLZpBukI/AAAAAAAABBY/m92gCLngfFM/s640/IMG_1590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Let me know if you make one - I'd love to see how yours comes out! Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-88259028694514856372012-12-03T08:52:00.000-08:002012-12-03T08:52:53.222-08:00Christmas Crafting<i>WARNING - if your name is Molly or Maggie and you are age 2 or 3 and you are my niece, please do not read on further...it will ruin any Christmas surprise.</i><br /><br />I love handmade gifts for Christmas, especially for kids. &nbsp;I've learned that kids have a ton of toys, so mixing in some handmade goodies is usually a hit for parents and kids alike. &nbsp;I've started crafting my nieces' Christmas present - it's going to be a felt playhouse that lays over a card table. &nbsp;Here are a few examples I've seen online...<br /><br /><img alt="The CupCakery Card Table Playhouse, White Scalloped Roof, Brighter Colors, Custom Order, Personalized, 40 removable and replaceable pieces" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.86555637.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="Felt Card Table Playhouse, Construction Site, Personalized, Custom Order" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/5341480/il_570xN.388122645_8tpl.jpg" /><br /><i>These are both from this cute Etsy shop,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/missprettypretty?ref=seller_info">http://www.etsy.com/shop/missprettypretty?ref=seller_info</a>.</i><br /><i><br /></i>I figured I'd try my hand at my own design this year. &nbsp;JoAnn's had a great sale on 72" felt - half price - the weekend after Thanksgiving, so I stocked up!<br /><br />Here's what I have so far...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDX7dZbwuWY/ULy3J40LROI/AAAAAAAAA-w/OvrHcuYDuVU/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDX7dZbwuWY/ULy3J40LROI/AAAAAAAAA-w/OvrHcuYDuVU/s640/IMG_1401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Little three-dimensional baskets to hold felt fruit and veggies<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X55A5FlqUt8/ULy3XvF1QHI/AAAAAAAAA-8/5BRDB6YrQ4c/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X55A5FlqUt8/ULy3XvF1QHI/AAAAAAAAA-8/5BRDB6YrQ4c/s640/IMG_1409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I cut an opening above the baskets to create a little outdoor market<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7fXHuMPv7I/ULy3jfipWUI/AAAAAAAAA_E/ol2fl0uVEWQ/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7fXHuMPv7I/ULy3jfipWUI/AAAAAAAAA_E/ol2fl0uVEWQ/s640/IMG_1369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Little lettuce bundles for the grocery/market<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPU4pzoN2Zc/ULy3sWrRoQI/AAAAAAAAA_M/wuNJBsYUEvA/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPU4pzoN2Zc/ULy3sWrRoQI/AAAAAAAAA_M/wuNJBsYUEvA/s640/IMG_1422.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Cupcakes for the bakery<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuZFV9OkZUg/ULy3z9vCBhI/AAAAAAAAA_U/BstOBmlmM-s/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuZFV9OkZUg/ULy3z9vCBhI/AAAAAAAAA_U/BstOBmlmM-s/s640/IMG_1424.JPG" width="640" /></a>The bakery wall. &nbsp;The cupcakes are all attached with Velcro so that they sit on the shelves but can be taken off to sell (the white paper is the guide of where I'll cut out a window).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see...this is a work in progress and I still have two more walls to complete before Christmas. &nbsp;But, I'm loving how it's coming out so far!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are you making any handmade gifts this Christmas?</div>Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-61544298231942157752012-12-01T13:57:00.002-08:002012-12-01T13:57:23.230-08:00Hot Chocolate and an Art SaleHow's your Saturday going?&nbsp; I'm going to spend the rest of mine finishing a grant report for our community garden (it's due today...nothing like waiting until the last minute).<br /><br />However, I was able to see a friend for lunch and head out to Lawrence for an Art Sale &amp; Open House.&nbsp; Ryan&nbsp;Paget was selling his pottery and&nbsp;paintings.&nbsp; Everything was beautiful and I had a really hard time picking just a few items.&nbsp; This may be my favorite purchase...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-legyvROrPbc/ULp8z-6ICHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/1iaXtFmlH_M/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-legyvROrPbc/ULp8z-6ICHI/AAAAAAAAA-I/1iaXtFmlH_M/s640/IMG_1357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A perfect little mug.&nbsp; <br /><br />I'm off to enjoy my hot chocolate and finish my grant report.&nbsp; Enjoy your Saturday!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-4072412065630750242012-11-30T06:55:00.002-08:002012-11-30T06:55:48.531-08:00Seriously...I don't know about you, but I'm so glad it's Friday. &nbsp;I wish I could have just stayed in bed today.<br /><br /><img src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/54a3233a3af011e2a56722000a1f9d88_7.jpg" /><br /><br />Petey agrees.Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-54104496553547562812012-11-27T12:06:00.000-08:002012-11-27T12:06:57.606-08:00A Pinterest Inspired Laundry Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzRpGaFkgsQ/ULI7KMCaSaI/AAAAAAAAA84/y6pr1jEItC4/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzRpGaFkgsQ/ULI7KMCaSaI/AAAAAAAAA84/y6pr1jEItC4/s640/IMG_1329.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />We've been slowly working on making our laundry room a little cuter, so I thought I'd show our few projects thus far.<br /><br />I made the very pinterest inspired faux metal letters...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzgXBMr6Iig/ULI7kHr4pJI/AAAAAAAAA9E/ilsy8ifiEuk/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzgXBMr6Iig/ULI7kHr4pJI/AAAAAAAAA9E/ilsy8ifiEuk/s640/IMG_1333.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JoId7OaBTyE/ULI7uq1WphI/AAAAAAAAA9M/hUK65przEv0/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JoId7OaBTyE/ULI7uq1WphI/AAAAAAAAA9M/hUK65przEv0/s640/IMG_1335.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />They were super simple to make...just simple paper mache letters from the craft store, spray paint them with silver metallic paint, then sand to give them an aged look.&nbsp; Mr. JG hung them (I'm thinking he had to drill holes in the back of the letters to get them to hang...but who knows, that's his deal).<br /><br />Speaking of Mr. JG - he also made this awesome dryer stand while I was out of town a few months ago...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsW_RQdJDso/ULI8SKWq6lI/AAAAAAAAA9U/OFJ7vwiUPVk/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsW_RQdJDso/ULI8SKWq6lI/AAAAAAAAA9U/OFJ7vwiUPVk/s640/IMG_1332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It is of course very pinterest inspired...here's the original link and tutorial that he used:<br /><br /><a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/01/sausha%E2%80%99s-washerdryer-pedestals">http://ana-white.com/2011/01/sausha%E2%80%99s-washerdryer-pedestals</a><br /><br />He had to make ours a bit shorter so that our washer could still fit under our built in cabinets.&nbsp; This meant a rather long search to find some shorter baskets that would fit (eventually Hobby Lobby delivered).&nbsp; I added some vinyl letters and we were set!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEG7i_ueGNA/ULI84KHiRQI/AAAAAAAAA9g/1D4WKKzt7C4/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEG7i_ueGNA/ULI84KHiRQI/AAAAAAAAA9g/1D4WKKzt7C4/s640/IMG_1329.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Oh and no, I don't have wild birds flying around my house that feed in my laundry room.&nbsp; I hang my feeders in here during the winter so they won't get damaged/frozen outside.<br /><br />So go...make your own laundry pedestal (or maybe just faux metal letters...those are a lot easier).Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-47622268220750639242012-11-26T07:23:00.000-08:002012-11-26T07:23:09.545-08:00Crocheted Cowl Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptO0nzRifw/ULIhmQAe5_I/AAAAAAAAA7M/xww21gHrUfo/s1600/cowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptO0nzRifw/ULIhmQAe5_I/AAAAAAAAA7M/xww21gHrUfo/s640/cowl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A while ago I found this awesome cowl on pinterest - it's sold on Etsy:<br /><br /><img alt="NOTE Extended Production Time - New BOSTON HARBOR Scarf - Warm, soft &amp; stylish scarf with 3 large coconut buttons - Other colors available" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/008/1/6200330/il_570xN.391478098_sh3i.jpg" width="570" /><br /><br />Here's the link to the listing: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113933476/note-extended-production-time-new-boston" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/listing/113933476/note-extended-production-time-new-boston</a><br /><br />Well, I love it, but it's a little too spendy for my blood so I decided I'd try to create something similar.&nbsp; I'm pretty happy with how mine turned out, so I thought I'd share the tutorial in case anyone else wants to try one (it's super easy...a great beginner project for someone that doesn't normally craft but just stumbled upon pinterest - I'm talking to you here, Kim).&nbsp; If you aren't crafty or don't want to make your own, I highly encourage you to purchase one from Behind My Picket Fence on her Etsy shop....they look so nice!<br /><br />Ok, so here's my pattern.<br /><br />Materials:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-km_DZL535yc/ULIioYtS_vI/AAAAAAAAA7U/S2wPaczaH1w/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-km_DZL535yc/ULIioYtS_vI/AAAAAAAAA7U/S2wPaczaH1w/s640/IMG_1310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Two skeins of Wool-Ease yarn - I already had mine but I know they sell it at most craft stores - it's a Lion Brand Yarn<br />Three&nbsp;large buttons - I found these at JoAnn's for $1.75 each; they're coconut and La Mode brand; 1.5" diameter<br />Size US P-15/10.00mm crochet hook<br />Yarn Darner needle to sew the buttons on<br /><br />I made the cowl by crocheting two strands of yarn together to create an extra chunky weight yarn.&nbsp; You could also just buy extra chunky weight yarn (but again I just used what I already had laying around).&nbsp; So crochet using two strands of yarn (use both skeins at once).<br /><br />Chain 23.&nbsp; Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each chain across.&nbsp; Turn.<br /><br /><strong>Row 1:</strong> Ch 3, Dc in each Dc across, turn.&nbsp; <br /><br />Repeat Row 1 until cowl measures 32" (approximately 28 rows of Dc).<br /><br />You may want to measure this around your neck to make sure you like the length before you tie off.<br /><br />Now, add the buttons!&nbsp; You are going to sew them on one end of your cowl, going up the long side of your cowl.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--yvYPrGOmTI/ULIl3CwUfDI/AAAAAAAAA78/zQtXs53ZVY4/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--yvYPrGOmTI/ULIl3CwUfDI/AAAAAAAAA78/zQtXs53ZVY4/s640/IMG_1319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sew the buttons on approximately 2", 4.5" and 7.5" from the end of the cowl.&nbsp; When you wrap your other end around, the buttons should be centered on the short end of the cowl (see picture).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-9kovNg6WA/ULImYZfgTMI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Xq8ZeEPZr1g/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-9kovNg6WA/ULImYZfgTMI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Xq8ZeEPZr1g/s640/IMG_1321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now that's seriously it.&nbsp; You just wrap it around your neck and loop the buttons through.&nbsp; The Dc creates holes that are the perfect size button hole.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1p2TzLnI68/ULInJIHSalI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/-0fCTT840iA/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1p2TzLnI68/ULInJIHSalI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/-0fCTT840iA/s640/IMG_1317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Enjoy!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-53976618062800185842012-11-24T07:36:00.001-08:002012-11-24T07:36:47.569-08:00Homemade Blueberry Pie (no...seriously)If you know me, you know that cooking/baking is really not my thing.&nbsp; I try...don't get me wrong I certainly try.&nbsp; But usually it comes out kind of gross and/or inedible.&nbsp; It's just not my specialty.<br /><br />So, for Thanksgiving I was really thankful that my completely homemade blueberry pies came out awesome!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-LQp0Q1wBk/ULDk7Zu51BI/AAAAAAAAA54/cwftRBJUNcA/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-LQp0Q1wBk/ULDk7Zu51BI/AAAAAAAAA54/cwftRBJUNcA/s640/IMG_1293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I made two pies&nbsp;- one for my family and one for Mr. JG's.&nbsp; Thanks to Aimee's crust tutorial, I had that part down and the filling was super simple.&nbsp; Here's the recipe (from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook with just a few tweaks):<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><strong>For the filling:</strong><br />5 cups of frozen blueberries<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />3 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br /><br /><strong>For the crust:</strong><br />2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />3/4 teaspoon salt<br />2/3 cup unsalted butter (11 tablespoons)<br />8 - 10 tablespoons cold water<br />Small amount of milk and sugar to top the crust<br /><br />(1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.&nbsp; <br /><br />(2) Mix your frozen berries with the sugar and flour for the filling.&nbsp; Set in a large bowl on the counter and let thaw for about 45 minutes.&nbsp; The berries will be ready to add to your pie when they're partially thawed but still icy.<br /><br />(3) Sift the flour and salt for the crust into a large food processor.&nbsp; Cut your butter into tablespoon size pieces and add to the food processor (keep the butter cold, don't handle too much).&nbsp; Then run the processor for just a second or two until the butter is in pea size pieces.&nbsp; Then slowly add your cold water (just a few tablespoons at a time).&nbsp; You'll know you have enough water and the dough is the right consistency when it forms a large ball inside of the food processor.<br /><br />(4) Roll out the dough onto a clean and floured counter top.&nbsp; Once you have it rolled to pie crust thickness, roll it onto your rolling pin then unroll onto the pie dish.&nbsp; Make sure not to stretch the pie crust as your unroll it.&nbsp; Trim the excess crust leaving 1/2 inch of crush around the edges of your pie dish.&nbsp; (I was home by myself cooking this and may have looked around and loudly said "it worked!" when I got the pie crust onto the dish without having it fall apart.&nbsp; It's times like that when I really need an audience.)<br /><br />(5) Pour your thawed berry mixture over your pie crust.<br /><br />(6) Roll the remaining dough out and then cut strips of dough (mine were about 3/4 inch wide) and use those to create a lattice pattern on the top of the pie.&nbsp; I spaced my lattice pieces about an inch apart.<br /><br />(7) Once you've completed your lattice top, brush the crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.&nbsp; Then make an aluminum foil cover with a 7" circle cut out of the center.&nbsp; Use this to cover the edges of your crust but leave the center portion of your pie uncovered.<br /><br />(8) Cook your pie for 50 minutes with the aluminum foil cover, then remove the cover and cook for an additional 25 to 30 minutes.&nbsp; You'll know your pie is done with the crust is a nice golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling.&nbsp; If you used fresh berries instead of frozen, reduce your cooking time to 25 minutes with the aluminum foil cover, then an additional 25 to 30 minutes without.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT60Y1n4suU/ULDod_YWD7I/AAAAAAAAA6k/Wbv0sLixkTA/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT60Y1n4suU/ULDod_YWD7I/AAAAAAAAA6k/Wbv0sLixkTA/s640/IMG_1297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!&nbsp; <br /><br />And a great black Friday...here was my big black Friday deal:<br /><br /><img class="slideshow_stream_img" src="http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/80ddc6fe358b11e2ad9722000a9e2977_7.jpg" /><br /><br />An antique wood sign we picked up at a barn sale Friday morning.&nbsp; I love it!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-87481288673690524902012-11-22T07:20:00.005-08:002012-11-22T07:20:58.367-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<img class="slideshow_stream_img" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/3214634634b111e2890a22000a1fbc9a_7.jpg" /><br /><br />Here's hoping these pies taste as good as they look (and I don't burn them in the oven!).<br /><br />I'll post the recipe in a few days.&nbsp; Have a great Thanksgiving y'all!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-46314454488838411472012-11-16T06:59:00.002-08:002012-11-16T06:59:34.048-08:00Pumpkin Kiss Pies (and the future of Jane's Girl Designs)Well we're doing a pumpkin food exchange at work - everyone has brought in a pumpkin themed food for the last two weeks...so on the last day I decided it was time to hop on board. &nbsp;I've been lucky enough to eat pumpkin pancakes, oooy gooey pumpkin cake, and pumpkin bread pudding over the last few weeks. &nbsp;So here's my contribution: Pumpkin Kiss Pies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-te-fHLaKehg/UKZQm1wpDnI/AAAAAAAAA3k/DIeDHYX4cak/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-te-fHLaKehg/UKZQm1wpDnI/AAAAAAAAA3k/DIeDHYX4cak/s640/IMG_1285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />First off, the recipe is a modified version of kiss pies - that can be found on<a href="http://picky-palate.com/2010/12/20/kiss-pies/" target="_blank"> The Picky Palate</a>. &nbsp;Modified in that we changed out the kiss and made homemade pie crust. &nbsp;And yes...I said we. &nbsp;My friend Aimee actually did all the heavy lifting on this one. &nbsp;BUT I did learn how to make homemade pie crust!<br /><br />So here's the recipe we used (makes 3 dozen):<br /><br />2 1/4 cups all purpose flour<br />3/4 teaspoon salt<br />2/3 cup cold unsalted butter (11 tablespoons)<br />8 - 10 tablespoons cold water<br />3 dozen (or so) pumpkin spice kisses<br /><br />(1) &nbsp;Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease 3 to 4 baking sheets. &nbsp;Sift the flour into a large food processor. &nbsp;Mix in salt.<br /><br />(2) &nbsp;Chop 2/3 cup cold unsalted butter into tablespoon size pieces. &nbsp;Try not to handle the butter too much so it stays pretty cold. &nbsp;Add to food processor and mix for just a few seconds so that pea size pieces of the flour/butter mixture remain. &nbsp;(For some reason we only had salted butter at my house so we just used that and didn't add the salt in step one).<br /><br />(3) &nbsp;Slowly add cold water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, mixing between each addition. &nbsp;Continue to add cold water until dough forms into a ball in the food processor.<br /><br />(4) Unwrap all your kisses.<br /><br />(5) Roll out your dough onto a floured counter or pastry cloth. &nbsp;Aimee suggested using a heavy marble rolling pin because it does most of the work. &nbsp;Use a 3" circle cookie cutter to cut out circles. &nbsp;Re-roll dough and keep cutting circles until all is used. &nbsp;Should make about 3 dozen circles.<br /><br />(6) Place a kiss in the middle of each circle of dough, then fold up the edges to form a diamond on the top (see picture above).<br /><br />(7) Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets and bake for approximately 20 - 22 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown.<br /><br />(8) Let cool on racks, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.<br /><br />And that's it! &nbsp;The original recipe used mint kisses which would be awesome for Christmas. &nbsp;Aimee said she's made them with dark chocolate before too and they were great too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqZ01xkM9Po/UKZTFsP0npI/AAAAAAAAA3w/_HE5UV7zY3k/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GqZ01xkM9Po/UKZTFsP0npI/AAAAAAAAA3w/_HE5UV7zY3k/s640/IMG_1291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />YUM!<br /><br />And in other news...I've decided to retire the Etsy shop for a bit, at least with my Family Birthday Boards. &nbsp;I've sold a ton of them and had great success, but it's also taking an immense toll on me. &nbsp;I come home and craft every night, all night. &nbsp;I'm spread pretty thin and at some point it stops being fun. &nbsp;So I plan to finish up my last few orders, then focus my attention on trying some new craft ideas/pinterest projects, creating a few custom orders for friends/family, and keeping up with the blog.<br /><br />So thanks to all of you that have supported my Birthday Board venture! &nbsp;I'll probably still occasionally make some for craft fairs or the occasional custom order, but for now it's time to try something new! <br /><br />...maybe I'll start baking/cooking on the regular (don't hold your breath Mr. JG).Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-51469659810333739262012-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:002012-11-08T08:00:19.522-08:00Adventures in Craft Fairs!I had a really great experience at the Basehor Craft Fair last weekend. &nbsp;Here's a good shot of my booth...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-badje0Z8hUA/UJqkxl-1zzI/AAAAAAAAA28/sUaJ_wAyHAw/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-badje0Z8hUA/UJqkxl-1zzI/AAAAAAAAA28/sUaJ_wAyHAw/s640/IMG_1157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The booth space was pretty small and we were awful tight together in that gym...but I think it came out pretty cute! &nbsp;I used the same peg board display that Mr. JG created for me using these instructions from Sugar Bee Crafts as a general map:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2011/09/peg-board-display-case.html">http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2011/09/peg-board-display-case.html</a>. &nbsp;I also reused the same sheets for the tables and handmade paper bunting (to make it look less like card tables covered in sheets).<br /><br />I still stand by my <a href="http://jgirldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-craft-fair-my-dos-donts-and.html" target="_blank">Craft Fair Do's and Don'ts</a>...however here are a few more lessons...<br /><br />Make stuff for kids! &nbsp;At my first craft fair I had nothing really made for kids so not a ton of sales. &nbsp;This fair...I made my I Spy bags and put them right on the front edge of the table. &nbsp;I made around 30 of them and they were sold out within the first two hours. &nbsp;I got additional orders that day (and a few since then) for some more I Spy bags. &nbsp;So...kids crafts sell big! &nbsp;(make sure you have enough of them!)<br /><br />Along those lines, have inexpensive items. &nbsp;Birthday boards are my bread and butter, but they are expensive and are a larger purchase. &nbsp;I've realized that people are more apt to just spend a few bucks so you can manage larger profits with have a lot of small items.<br /><br />Once again...I was glad I had a credit card reader (I use the Square reader). &nbsp;While most people at this large fair were ready with cash, a few people wanted to place larger custom orders which made a credit card reader essential. &nbsp;I love my square reader...it's really easy and I can email people a receipt right on the spot.<br /><br />Include taxes in your price. &nbsp;Double check to see if your state allows you to include sales tax in your total price, and if they do I highly recommend it. &nbsp;When you're at a craft fair and something says it's $5, you just want to hand a $5 bill...not have to come up with additional change to cover tax. &nbsp;So I just include sales tax in my price and keep a clear log of everything I've sold so that I can pull the taxes out of my totals later.<br /><br />Have bags! &nbsp;I wish I would have done a better job with this. &nbsp;I just had lunch bags which worked for smaller items, but wasn't very helpful for larger purchase (and don't really have good handles). &nbsp;So before my next craft fair, I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for some inexpensive bags with handles (I really don't just want to use old grocery sacks).<br /><br />Be signed up for future craft fairs and know which ones so you can tell your customers about it. &nbsp;I had a ton of people ask me which fairs I was doing coming up and I don't have any on my schedule. &nbsp;Soooo...I'm looking at signing up for more in the future but I wish I would have had a solid schedule to tell people "come see me next week in Lawrence" etc.<br /><br />Make friends with your fellow crafters. &nbsp;I bought some amazing hand-woven baskets from a woman named Sue that was just across the aisle from me. &nbsp;She has been crafting and doing fairs for nearly 30 years so she had a lot of good advice and it was also a good opportunity to see what a really nice looking booth looked like. &nbsp;You can learn a lot from your fellow crafters, so don't be too intimidated to say hello.<br /><br />Bring a friend. &nbsp;I had my mom with me this time and my mother in law at the last fair. &nbsp;It's really helpful for setup and tear down of your booth AND if you need to use the bathroom or just want to walk around and look at other booths (and befriend other crafters). &nbsp;Even if you just get someone to help with setup and tear down and then stop by for an hour or two...that's better than nothing!<br /><br />Good luck! &nbsp;Let me know how your craft fairs go!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-4896855755552500802012-11-07T10:08:00.000-08:002012-11-07T10:08:53.782-08:00A little houseMy youngest niece, Molly, turned 2 years old recently so of course a handmade present from Aunt Rae Rae was in order. &nbsp;After scouring the internet for a good present that I really wanted to make, I came across the cutest pattern for a little fabric house. &nbsp;Here's the pattern I used as my guide:&nbsp;<a href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html">http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html</a><br /><br />I did make a few adjustments to mine - basically I made it slightly larger, increasing most of the dimensions by about two inches. &nbsp;I just felt like the original pattern wasn't quite big enough for a decent sized dollhouse on the go. &nbsp;Here's my finished product:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvDXfgllZLw/UJqN5C4krxI/AAAAAAAAA1o/AJKPzVpP020/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvDXfgllZLw/UJqN5C4krxI/AAAAAAAAA1o/AJKPzVpP020/s640/IMG_1162.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I used scrap fabric for the outside color. &nbsp;These girls have a lot of pink in their lives so I decided to make the outside of the house a nice teal color. &nbsp;I hot glued buttons and felt on for decoration. &nbsp;Molly and her older sister, Maggie, are both old enough that they aren't swallowing little pieces, so I wasn't too concerned about just hot gluing buttons on instead of sewing them.<br /><br />Of course I made sure to include a handle so she can take it with her on the go. &nbsp;I also used simple felt tabs with velcro to close the house up. &nbsp;The original pattern called for buttons but I thought velcro would probably be a bit easier for everyone (for me to attach and for her to open and close).<br /><br />Here are some more detail pics...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDnXeNaumms/UJqOgNxsBcI/AAAAAAAAA14/jcvYKUrbqsw/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDnXeNaumms/UJqOgNxsBcI/AAAAAAAAA14/jcvYKUrbqsw/s640/IMG_1164.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I had miniature clothespins from my i spy bags so I used a couple on the back to make a little clothesline on the back of the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSxouCGW368/UJqOr7PaEOI/AAAAAAAAA2A/HhwJY3e3nJ4/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSxouCGW368/UJqOr7PaEOI/AAAAAAAAA2A/HhwJY3e3nJ4/s640/IMG_1166.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Here's the house all opened up...complete with a little pond and cobblestone path.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm_HGN8dfPI/UJqPMcoZUMI/AAAAAAAAA2U/G5PJR21LWRI/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm_HGN8dfPI/UJqPMcoZUMI/AAAAAAAAA2U/G5PJR21LWRI/s640/IMG_1167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And a close-up of the inside of the house. &nbsp;I loved that pink princess fabric for the walls. &nbsp;And of course a felt dresser with button knobs. &nbsp;I also added little curtains with ric-rac tie backs and a ric-rac valance. &nbsp;With this description you may be getting the impression that I also make these handmade presents because I secretly want to play with them myself...valid...and true.<br /><br />I took Kimbo's advice over at <a href="http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.com/2012/02/fabric-dollhouse.html" target="_blank">A Girl and Glue Gun</a> and also invested in some polly pocket dolls that seem to fit the house pretty well. <br /><br />Oh, and remember that <a href="http://jgirldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-one-felt-playmat.html" target="_blank">felt car playmat</a> that I made Molly's sister, Maggie?<br /><br /><img height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3LuJQGEcpI/TwHaKfE_LcI/AAAAAAAAAA0/OumegzibELY/s640/photo-1.JPG" width="478" /><br /><br />It's still out at my sister's house and looks like it's best well loved and used :) &nbsp;Which makes me awful happy to see!<br /><br />Oh and hey, did you know that I had my Basehor Craft Fair? &nbsp;I'll post some pics from my booth later this week and tell you all about it. &nbsp;It was quite the success!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-8289561407090743712012-10-31T09:08:00.001-07:002012-10-31T09:08:35.693-07:00Too legit to quit (heyyy heyyyyyyyyyy)So, I'm on the road right now for my 8-5 job. &nbsp;BUT do not fear...I was busy crafting before I left in preparation for my big craft fair THIS SATURDAY! &nbsp;Say what?!?! &nbsp;It's the Basehor Craft Fair - held from 8am to 4pm this Saturday, November 3 at the Basehor Linwood High School. &nbsp;If you're in the area, seriously consider coming out to visit us! &nbsp;My mom is helping me with the booth and I think Mr. J.G.'s mom, Patty, will be stopped by as well. &nbsp;It's $2-3 to get into the fair so bring a little cash...and then come and look around and find lots of good stuff to take home!<br /><br />Here are some of the things I'll be selling...<br /><br /><img height="640" src="http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269507_275169962586628_1156773503_n.jpg" width="476" /><br /><br />Tote bags made with recycled grocery sacks (and some pretty fabric as well)! &nbsp;This was the first one I made and very quickly wanted to just keep for myself. &nbsp;But don't fear (because I'm sure you were super worried) - I'll be selling all these!!!<br /><br /><img height="477" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/59430_276938832409741_1807573650_n.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />I found that the target bag patterns made some really nice plastic bag "fabric" so I used those for quite a few of them. &nbsp;I honestly had more supplies but just ran out of time.<br /><br />I'll also have my mason jar sewing kits for sale...<br /><br /><img height="640" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552618_10100973698093179_872088656_n.jpg" width="478" /><br /><br />And a ton of I spy bags for the kids.<br /><br />Oh and of course I'll have some birthday boards for sale - family birthday and some classroom birthday boards.<br /><br />And here's what else...when I wasn't looking I hit 10,000 blog views today! &nbsp;Say what?!?!<br /><br />You know what that means. &nbsp;I'm legit...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---UxoyNiDg8/UJFMj0-d7tI/AAAAAAAAA1A/hdvirL45x98/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---UxoyNiDg8/UJFMj0-d7tI/AAAAAAAAA1A/hdvirL45x98/s640/picstitch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...too legit to quit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I'm in a hotel room, by myself, between meetings...so yes, I'm bored.)</div><br />Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-67373648070660592012012-10-19T10:57:00.000-07:002012-10-19T10:57:41.401-07:00Wedding Directional SignFor our wedding, Mr. J.G. did some crafting of his own and made this awesome directional sign.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAQsUzwiwTA/UIGF3pye9JI/AAAAAAAAAy8/PZqcELPajPg/s1600/_ERR0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAQsUzwiwTA/UIGF3pye9JI/AAAAAAAAAy8/PZqcELPajPg/s640/_ERR0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>Photo by Earl Richardson, www.earlrichardson.com</i><br /><br />We bought a few skinny pieces of wood from Home Depot then I came home to this one day...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9biUMuGqRQ/UIGGR_kHTGI/AAAAAAAAAzE/AUYLuMt-IXo/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9biUMuGqRQ/UIGGR_kHTGI/AAAAAAAAAzE/AUYLuMt-IXo/s640/IMG_0458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />That's right...Crafty McGilicuty in all his glory. &nbsp;Once he had it all built, he painted the sign to include some important places including our honeymoon location. &nbsp;Did you notice he even painted a flower on there? &nbsp;He's a really talented artist - his mom has a number of his drawings in her house (color me jealous...I've been begging him to draw something for a while now).<br /><br />ANYWAY, we put the sign in an old milk can and held it up with a bunch of sand in the can. &nbsp;It came out pretty cute and was a fun thing to greet our guests!<br /><br />Want your own? &nbsp;Shoot me an email and Mr. J.G. will make it! &nbsp;<i>Uh, I haven't cleared this with him at all so email at your own risk :)</i>Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-19259819333653645482012-10-08T12:02:00.000-07:002012-10-08T12:02:28.323-07:00Reason #165 that I love my husbandI'm getting pumped for the Basehor Craft Fair! &nbsp;PUMPED! &nbsp;I'm starting to focus all of my crafting/free time around preparations. &nbsp;Which leads me to reason #165 that I love my husband. &nbsp;I'm making more I Spy Bags...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8FapzBYxs/UDacIGx2yAI/AAAAAAAAAtI/F6c0YQ9AKp8/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8FapzBYxs/UDacIGx2yAI/AAAAAAAAAtI/F6c0YQ9AKp8/s640/IMG_0446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've changed my format a bit - they're round now and a wee bit smaller (better for little baby hands, duh). &nbsp;Well anyway I spent at least an hour making that little card that I laminate and attach to the bag. &nbsp;I have to lay out all the items spaced just right, take a picture, then label everything, etc. etc. &nbsp;So I really wanted to keep using that card over and over BUT I ran out of the cars and bowling pins!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAd2qaL2Zjc/UDadOkeNUkI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_afAAdosJZI/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAd2qaL2Zjc/UDadOkeNUkI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_afAAdosJZI/s640/IMG_0449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Are you as sad about that as I am? &nbsp;You should be. &nbsp;#firstworldproblems &nbsp;I don't tweet but I've seen other people hash tag things so I thought I'd try it. &nbsp;I'm not sold.<br /><br />Anyway...today Mr. J.G. came up and joined me for lunch on my break. &nbsp;Well afterward we went to the Dollar Tree thinking I could get more bowling pins and cars (Dollar Tree is where I got them originally). &nbsp;Welp...we walked around the Dollar Tree for 25 minutes looking and couldn't find either! &nbsp;Then when the lady asked me if I found everything ok and I told her my dilemma (complete with displaying the i spy card) she walked around with us for another 5 minutes trying to find it. &nbsp;Mr. J.G. helped...the whole time....30 minutes...in a Dollar Tree. &nbsp;That's love people. &nbsp;I also thank his mother for it. &nbsp;I'm pretty sure she did things like that to him as a child on a regular basis and he's just been broken down now. &nbsp;:)<br /><br />Oh, and if all else fails I know I can just find a substitute to the bowling pin and remake the card...but what a pain in the butt. &nbsp;It's much easier to drive to 15 Dollar Trees and search, right???<br /><br />Back to my Basehor Craft Fair prep! &nbsp;So far I've made 12 mason jar sewing kits. &nbsp;I think I'll have about 25 or 30 I Spy bags by the time all is said and done. &nbsp;I need to start making some Family Birthday Boards, but my motivation there is a bit lacking. &nbsp;I'm a little burned out on them so these other crafts have been a nice distraction for me. <br /><br />This Craft Fair also seems to have a lot of old pros...a little intimidating. &nbsp;SO, I'm trying to up my professionalism level. &nbsp;I was pretty happy with the cuteness of my craft booth at my first fair over the summer <a href="http://jgirldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-first-craft-fair-my-dos-donts-and.html" target="_blank">(remember this??)</a>, so now I've resorted to getting better storage/transport containers. &nbsp;I ordered a monogrammed thirty one bag yesterday. &nbsp;Have you guys seen these things??? &nbsp;They look awesome! &nbsp;Tons of room, pretty solid, and super cute. <br /><br /><img alt="Large Utilty Tote" src="http://catalog.thirtyonegifts.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/products/3121.jpg" /><br /><br /><i>Image&nbsp;courtesy&nbsp;thirtyonegifts.com</i><br /><br />You have to find a consultant, so email me if you're in town because I can give you the info on the lady that sold mine to me. &nbsp;I got mine in a cute turquoise and brown pattern and monogrammed with my new initials...bam!<br /><br />AND I've also decided to purchase two of these awesome HUGE bags from Clever Container. &nbsp;My sister has started selling it - it's a new line of products. &nbsp;I'll be perfectly honest...I'm usually not a big fan of these lines of stuff that people sell (sorry). &nbsp;Sometimes it can be a bit pricey (pampered chef...nice but eeesh) OR it's something I really don't use. &nbsp;But, both the Thirty One bags and Clever Container have some nice stuff that I can actually use (especially as a crafter!) and the prices are really good which is a big factor for me. &nbsp;Clever has lots of organizing stuff...but here's what I'm getting:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZQjsF79Z6c/UHMhSal-6NI/AAAAAAAAAyU/X7vx5nT15_4/s1600/big+bags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZQjsF79Z6c/UHMhSal-6NI/AAAAAAAAAyU/X7vx5nT15_4/s640/big+bags.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i>Image courtesy Clever Containers</i><br /><br />It's slightly hard to tell (this is a picture I snipped from the online catalog) but they are these massive bags (they come up to my mid thigh...huge). &nbsp;They are pretty solid too so I think they'll be great to haul a bunch of stuff to and from craft fairs. &nbsp;Here's my sister's website so you can buy your own if you want! &nbsp;<a href="http://mycleverbiz.com/brookeparker">http://mycleverbiz.com/brookeparker</a><br /><br />Alright, I'll keep you all posted on my Craft Fair happenings as I move forward....and on the status of the miniature bowling pin search :)Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-82342818854063685662012-10-04T09:38:00.001-07:002012-10-04T09:38:08.894-07:00Is it time for another vacation yet?Welp, I'm in the middle of travel season at work which means I'm either gone or I'm home and exhausted.&nbsp; I'm not even doing that much traveling, but for some reason it's just really wearing me out!&nbsp; Last week I drove to St. Louis (about 4.5 hour drive) and then back the following day, then to Wichita the next day (about a 2.5 hour drive) and back home the same day.&nbsp; This week I flew to El Paso on Monday, flew home Tuesday and got home around midnight, then drove to Warrensburg, MO (about 2 hour drive) the following day.&nbsp; Basically...I'm a little pooped.&nbsp; The house is a mess with my junk (and my poor husband is trying to do it all alone) and I'm stressed.&nbsp; It's all just part of travel season with work...but I'm about sick of it (and I've only been traveling for two weeks).<br /><br />The good things about travel season though - most of my meals are paid by work because I'm out of town.&nbsp; So, that's nice.&nbsp; Plus, I get to catch up on some reading!<br /><br />I finished this book in El Paso:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10163292-the-last-letter-from-your-lover"><img alt="The Last Letter from Your Lover" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1311705055l/10163292.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As recommended by fellow bloggers Victoria and Ginny.&nbsp; It was SO GOOD!&nbsp; I almost got a little emotional at the airport as I was finishing it on my Nook (I'm sure I looked completely crazy pants).&nbsp;I highly recommend reading it...don't let the cheesy title steer you away.<br /><br />On the honeymoon I was able to read The Chaperone:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13056159-the-chaperone"><img alt="The Chaperone" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1348621462l/13056159.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Also pretty good and stuck with me (just not quite as much as The Last Letter).&nbsp; I also read The Virgin of Small Planes by Nancy Pickard.&nbsp; It was just alright...kind of an interesting story but I didn't feel like it was really well written which was mildly frustrating at times.&nbsp; At the end of the honeymoon, Mr. JG said "You've read more on this honeymoon than I read in my entire college experience."&nbsp; I laughed...he said he was serious.&nbsp; :)<br /><br />So what else is new??<br /><br />I'm getting ready for a craft fair!&nbsp; Woo Hoo!&nbsp; This is the big time folks...Basehor Craft Fair on November 3rd.&nbsp; I went last year, just as an observer and was super impressed.&nbsp; It's huge, well organized, and has a ton of people that come.&nbsp; So, basically I cannot screw this up...I would be embarrassed for life!<br /><br />While the Birthday Boards seem to sell pretty well on Etsy, I know they are&nbsp;a larger purchase/commitment for a craft fair so I'm working on a few other things to sell at the fair in addition to the boards.&nbsp; I've been working on some I Spy bags for the kids.&nbsp; They're slightly re-worked since my <a href="http://jgirldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/i-spy-with-my-little-eye_23.html" target="_blank">original post</a> on them.<br /><br />And, I've started working on some little sewing kits out of mason jars:<br /><br /><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552618_10100973698093179_872088656_n.jpg" style="height: 651px; width: 486px;" width="717" /><br /><br />I had so many leftover mason jars from the wedding that I literally just put a table number into and that's it!&nbsp; So, I made pincushions for the tops of the lids, added some spray paint and embellishment, and put some sewing supplies inside!&nbsp; I think these will be a huge hit (well, at least I hope so).&nbsp; They'd be great for college students or those that don't have an entire room devoted to crafting...<br /><br />Oh, and one more thing.&nbsp; I'm thinking of planning a crafting party later this fall...Crafting and Cocktails.&nbsp; Who's in???&nbsp; Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-69575980257689108382012-09-28T10:10:00.002-07:002012-09-28T10:10:23.302-07:00iPhones and VowsNo, this is NOT a post about the new fancy pants iphone.&nbsp; I have my iphone4 and I heart it.&nbsp; I'm sure the new one makes pot roast and will create world peace, but I don't care...I like mine.<br /><br />This is a post about how we used a great new iphone app at our wedding!&nbsp; A few days before the wedding, I found this great app via pinterest: weddingpartyapp.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78KN6IVf_Ac/UGXZ1k4R6RI/AAAAAAAAAxE/SWjxfL4OPcc/s1600/wedding+party+app.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78KN6IVf_Ac/UGXZ1k4R6RI/AAAAAAAAAxE/SWjxfL4OPcc/s640/wedding+party+app.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><em>Photo Courtesy </em><a href="http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/"><em>www.weddingpartyapp.com</em></a><br /><br />First, go onto their website, here...<a href="https://www.weddingpartyapp.com/">https://www.weddingpartyapp.com/</a><br /><br />Then register your wedding.<br /><br />Once you register you can download free place cards to put around the room that tell your guests how to download the app...here's a pic of one of our tables (before flowers, table numbers, etc) with the wedding app cards on it.<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/134717/ejegghx4e5eq.jpg" width="480" /><br /><br />The app is 100% free and seemed to be pretty easy for our guests to use!&nbsp; As a result, we got a great website full of awesome pics all taken by our guests.&nbsp; It's pretty much like disposable cameras only much, much better.&nbsp; It's great because while we wait for our professional photos, we get a chance to see&nbsp;so many photos&nbsp;of the day!<br /><br />Here were a few of my favs...<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/149251/lmzf6yzhhzeb.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Wine glass party favors (and escort cards)<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/149250/19wry3aybijn.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Chris' bar sign.&nbsp; That bar was his baby, folks.<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/144952/88delhs84b0g.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />Us getting ready.&nbsp; One of my favorites because of Kim lurking behind the door...<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/144955/oe43k47jz1gw.jpg" width="480" /><br /><br />Cool as a cucumber...on our way to the wedding<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/138747/68pkgw9d3k1p.jpg" width="478" /><br /><br />Contemplating his last few moments as a single man...<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/138859/8ndjgzl9rxsw.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br />My sister's hair.&nbsp; So pretty!<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/146039/3n4ae8ry7ka8.jpg" width="478" /><br /><br />God this cake was good!<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/146078/lh16y644rjtm.jpg" width="478" /><br /><br />First dance...and the only physical record of Chris dancing, ever.<br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/142066/fmqpa4p2w9o2.jpg" width="478" /><br /><br />The moustaches were a hit...right Aimee?&nbsp; :)<br /><br />So this is my piece of advice for future brides.&nbsp; Seriously, register for the wedding app and put the cards around your reception.&nbsp; You'll be so happy you did!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-78464058018524662742012-09-24T07:58:00.004-07:002012-09-24T07:58:58.426-07:00The Bathroom's Bigger Than the Blue BananaSo I thought I'd spend a few posts going over my honeymoon experience.&nbsp; It was pretty fantastic, and I have a ton of pictures (and didn't craft while I was there) so I figured I'd share.&nbsp; PLUS if you're going to Maui anytime soon, this is helpful stuff here.&nbsp; <br /><br />So this post is all about our (first) hotel room.&nbsp; We stayed at the Four Season's Maui.&nbsp; It was the fanciest hotel Chris and I had ever even seen, let alone stepped foot into.&nbsp; We felt instantly out of place from the first two minutes but the people there were pretty nice so we just pretended like we belonged.&nbsp; On the way to Maui Chris wanted to tell the airline gate person that he was Michael Phelps and I was his wife, Kelly Clarkson, and it was imperative that we be moved to first class.&nbsp; Well, once we got to the hotel he would walk around saying "well we have google money" or "I own Apple."&nbsp; Basically, we were completely ridiculous.<br /><br />Here's us getting our picture taken in front of the sign.<br /><br /><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d736b3127ccef1761fc6ff8500000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>Now you may be thinking "wow, how embarrassing that you asked to have your picture taken in front of the hotel sign."&nbsp; My response to you...yes, it was.&nbsp; But you only live once and we're never going to afford to go back, so dammit, we got our picture taken.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>When we arrived they gave us leis, ginger mint lemonade and (no shit) chilled lavender towels.&nbsp; Chris looked at the woman and said "uh, what am I supposed to do with this?"&nbsp; She said "refresh yourself" and I was really tempted to wipe my armpits off with it.&nbsp; We had been traveling for like 15 hours...don't judge.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Then they had a guy take our bags up to our room while giving us a tour of the hotel and explaining our room amenities.&nbsp; Of course, I asked him to take our picture :)</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d737b3127ccef1740f46a72100000040O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Look, fancy pants leis.&nbsp; They wanted $18 for them at the airport!&nbsp; I was glad I didn't buy one there...</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Once the guy left our room we spent the next 15 minutes taking pictures of it.&nbsp; Seriously.&nbsp; I had my fancy pants camera and Chris had his phone...and we just lost our minds.&nbsp; "LOOK, there's a radio built into the bathroom!"&nbsp; "Free champagne!"&nbsp; "This balcony area is HUGE!"&nbsp; "FREE SLIPPERS!!!"</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Here are the highlights...</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d737b3127ccef1747888667c00000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>Chris told them it was our honeymoon (with the hopes of getting free stuff, duh) and it worked.&nbsp; They left a rose, two glasses, and a bottle of champagne in the fridge.&nbsp; I really should have gone around calling it "champs" a la Real Housewives Orange County Heather.&nbsp; But I was too busy going "whoa, this is free?"</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Here are some other pictures of the room/bathroom...</div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d737b3127ccef1742e1ee7f100000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>Slippers!</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d737b3127ccef1740485e77f00000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div></div></div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d737b3127ccef175dc45c79f00000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>Yes, the bathroom was bigger than the Blue Banana!&nbsp; (hopefully I'm not so old that no one knows that movie&nbsp;reference anymore)</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Remember how I said this was our first hotel room at the beginning of this post?&nbsp; Well...here's the thing.&nbsp; This room was pretty awesome.&nbsp; Garden View with a huge courtyard area to walk out onto grass, lay out, etc.&nbsp; BUT it also had an adjoining door to the room next door that let&nbsp;noise in&nbsp;and some people came into that room halfway through our stay.&nbsp; I guess they were still on a weird time schedule because every morning at 3am they would wake up and start loudly watching TV and talking/laughing.&nbsp; We didn't want to complain (well, I didn't want to complain) but it was a pricey hotel to not be able to get much sleep.&nbsp; So, we complained.&nbsp; And by we I mean Chris said something while I refused to even go near the desk as he did&nbsp;("Uh, I need to&nbsp;use the restroom, and take pictures, and stuff...I'll come meet you after").&nbsp; And they moved us...</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I guess the new room was supposed to be pretty fancy pants.&nbsp; It was an ocean view and clearly out of our budget.&nbsp; Here's the view...</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d736b3127ccef17740021e8a00000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Honestly, I just liked that we could sleep in and not get disturbed by noisy neighbors in this one.&nbsp; Oh, and of course the hotel was just laying it on thick at this point...<br />&nbsp;</div><div><div id="previewItemDiv"><img class="largePrevImg" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d701b3127ccef17ccbc5ec4f00000030O00IYt3LhwyYsge3nwU/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" /></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>It's kind of hard to tell...but these are chocolate covered strawberries with an accompanying "sorry for the trouble with your room."&nbsp; The woman at the front desk also said to call her directly when we come back and she'll upgrade us for free.&nbsp; I tried not to laugh...IF we ever come back it will be for a 50th wedding anniversary or something and she'll probably not be there anymore.&nbsp; But alas, it was an awful nice thing to offer.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Moral of the story: it must be nice to have money and think this is a normal vacation.</div></div><div><br />More to come!!!</div></div></div></div></div>Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-31808170227491181982012-09-20T10:32:00.002-07:002012-09-20T10:35:48.924-07:00Bridesmaid Survival KitsAs promised, now that the wedding is over I'll be bombarding you with wedding projects that I completed months ago and couldn't post until after it was all over.<br /><br />One of my favorite gifts for my bridesmaids were survival kits that I made.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt8qcNQTQVE/UFtRGaC7r9I/AAAAAAAAAv8/lC_YVrryq5Y/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt8qcNQTQVE/UFtRGaC7r9I/AAAAAAAAAv8/lC_YVrryq5Y/s640/IMG_0205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />They also came in super handy that day when I (a) cried like a baby, (b) got a little headache by the end of the night, and (c) asked if anyone had any mints handy.&nbsp; So basically, I probably utilized them more than my bridesmaids.<br /><br />Here's how I made them (you should make them too!)<br /><br />I found these great makeup bags on Etsy...you can customize your fabric and rosette colors (and the rosette comes off if you want).&nbsp; Here's where you can get your own...<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/allisajacobs?ref=pr_shop_more">http://www.etsy.com/shop/allisajacobs?ref=pr_shop_more</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OVf_gumgg4/UFtRm6Sc2HI/AAAAAAAAAwI/QIhRJFTokLM/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OVf_gumgg4/UFtRm6Sc2HI/AAAAAAAAAwI/QIhRJFTokLM/s640/IMG_0206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHDcATgizuA/UFtRu6-A2jI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/KmgHGgWih4o/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHDcATgizuA/UFtRu6-A2jI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/KmgHGgWih4o/s640/IMG_0209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then I went to Walgreens and found all sorts of great things to put in them.&nbsp; They weren't super big, so here's what I collected:<br /><br /><ul><li>Kleenex</li><li>Shout to go wipes</li><li>Sewing kits (with scissors for my local girls and no scissors for the girls that had to fly home)</li><li>Burts Bees Chap stick</li><li>Travel Size Deodorant</li><li>Altoids Smalls (a nice little mint tin)</li><li>Emory Board</li><li>Advil</li></ul><br />I would have liked to add more to the kits, but the small makeup bags were pretty full with just these few things.<br /><br />I also made a little card to go in the kits as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5WDwN9S-ZsU/UFtSdoI_H3I/AAAAAAAAAwY/hzPkxfZjarc/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5WDwN9S-ZsU/UFtSdoI_H3I/AAAAAAAAAwY/hzPkxfZjarc/s640/IMG_0211.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Now go!&nbsp; Make your own!<br /><br />P.S. Have you liked me on Facebook yet?&nbsp; Do you want to?&nbsp; Pretty please!&nbsp; Check me out here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/JanesGirlDesigns?ref=hl">http://www.facebook.com/JanesGirlDesigns?ref=hl</a>Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-19022416159967505212012-09-17T14:44:00.000-07:002012-09-17T14:53:05.542-07:00AND....I'm back!Sorry about the longest non-blogging time period ever in the history of blogging and time.&nbsp; In my defense, here's what I've been up to...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spB2E7JNB_4/UFeYe8cOqqI/AAAAAAAAAvU/bLHFBvFoQzc/s1600/wedding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spB2E7JNB_4/UFeYe8cOqqI/AAAAAAAAAvU/bLHFBvFoQzc/s640/wedding+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />That's me gettin' hitched.&nbsp; I plan to write a ton more blog posts with wedding projects and a complete recap of the wedding titled "The best day of my life..and the snottiest" - I'm talking actual snot.&nbsp; Basically I was a complete mess walking down the aisle.&nbsp; I got so overwhelmed and happy and just hit with all the emotions that I started crying and by the time I got to my man, it was a full out ugly cry, complete with snot.&nbsp; The good news is he still married me.&nbsp; It was amazing.&nbsp; Best.&nbsp; Wedding.&nbsp; Ever.&nbsp; I may be biased.<br /><br />And then I did this!<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" height="640" id="fancybox-img" src="https://pkk-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/post/image/155087/w62bhwep6upl.jpg" width="480" /><br /><br />That's us on our honeymoon in sunny Maui.&nbsp; It was beautiful and pretty perfect.&nbsp; Just like the wedding (only less snot on the honeymoon).<br /><br />Alright, more to come.&nbsp; Just wanted to assure the cyber universe that I was alive and well!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-85737349056832316272012-08-29T07:27:00.002-07:002012-08-29T07:27:42.431-07:00We're getting closer......to our wedding day.&nbsp; This means I'm covered in chalkboard paint most days, I now have multiple wedding binders (day of binder, anyone?), and we're following up with vendors left and right.<br /><br />Because it's been a while since I've posted (but I'm hesitatnt to post because all my projects are for the wedding and there needs to be some surprises), I thought this would be a nice opportunity to share some of my favorite engagement pictures...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIuW2p-BUWY/UD4l1v2-U3I/AAAAAAAAAt4/rhjcSFEzxb4/s1600/_42F5575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIuW2p-BUWY/UD4l1v2-U3I/AAAAAAAAAt4/rhjcSFEzxb4/s640/_42F5575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MeI7WVGstc/UD4l85TuwJI/AAAAAAAAAuA/_MFqN4z3eY4/s1600/_42F5718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MeI7WVGstc/UD4l85TuwJI/AAAAAAAAAuA/_MFqN4z3eY4/s640/_42F5718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQGj4-HVJec/UD4mDo32Z0I/AAAAAAAAAuI/JI2ITow7i0E/s1600/_42F5920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQGj4-HVJec/UD4mDo32Z0I/AAAAAAAAAuI/JI2ITow7i0E/s640/_42F5920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmKJjn_K4GU/UD4mJ0h6CaI/AAAAAAAAAuU/LL4twojw01Y/s1600/_42F5977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmKJjn_K4GU/UD4mJ0h6CaI/AAAAAAAAAuU/LL4twojw01Y/s640/_42F5977.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avZYWaSr0_M/UD4mP2AImdI/AAAAAAAAAuc/k55bbWZuFTg/s1600/_Q3X0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avZYWaSr0_M/UD4mP2AImdI/AAAAAAAAAuc/k55bbWZuFTg/s640/_Q3X0527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzTndqoHy24/UD4mZo4ki6I/AAAAAAAAAuk/YQxXgwZ_zt4/s1600/_Q3X0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzTndqoHy24/UD4mZo4ki6I/AAAAAAAAAuk/YQxXgwZ_zt4/s640/_Q3X0670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHLtQgHHijc/UD4mf1JwkhI/AAAAAAAAAus/LO-RPCCh2qc/s1600/_Q3X0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHLtQgHHijc/UD4mf1JwkhI/AAAAAAAAAus/LO-RPCCh2qc/s640/_Q3X0768.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />These pictures were all taken at Potter Lake in Lawrence, Kansas (on KU Campus).&nbsp; Earl Richardson is our engagement/wedding photographer and he's awesome...<a href="http://earlrichardson.com/">http://earlrichardson.com/</a>.Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267965296347379253.post-73978005413545129092012-08-23T14:19:00.003-07:002012-08-23T14:24:45.422-07:00I Spy With My Little EyeEeesh...color me embarrassed!&nbsp; It's been well over a week since I posted on my blog (in fact I think it's getting close to two weeks).&nbsp; I sort of hit a wall - at work I was running a large orientation&nbsp;event for over 140 students.&nbsp; It was 5 days long and kind of involved.&nbsp; It's done...I think it was successful for the most part (just a few hiccups which I'm told is to be expected for a group that size and my first year handling it).<br /><br />Compile on top of that wedding planning, etsy business, community garden...basically I just got completely overwhelmed and threatened to just curl up into a ball for the next 2 weeks (until the wedding).<br /><br />The orientation program at work is over, wedding planning is proceeding nicely (a big thanks to Mr. JG for doing a ton to help with wedding stuff), and I have just one more week of work before my bachelorette party, then the next week off, then getting married!&nbsp; Woo Hoo!<br /><br />Anyway, before I went crazy and got overwhelmed, I had a bit of inspiration and made something new.&nbsp; So I'll focus on that for this post (instead of the crazy stressful stuff).&nbsp; This is my first project that's really intended to be a kid-friendly item...<br /><br />Without any further ado...the I Spy Bag<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8FapzBYxs/UDacIGx2yAI/AAAAAAAAAtI/F6c0YQ9AKp8/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB8FapzBYxs/UDacIGx2yAI/AAAAAAAAAtI/F6c0YQ9AKp8/s640/IMG_0446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So general idea of the I Spy Bag is a bag full of rice and various trinkets.&nbsp; I took a picture of everything in the bag, labeled them, and printed it on cardstock.&nbsp; I laminated the picture - so now kids can look to the card, pick out an item, then move the rice around in the bag until their item shows up in the clear vinyl window.<br /><br />I used my serger to sew all the edges.&nbsp; I figured it would eliminate the need to finish edges and it would also hold the strongest.&nbsp; I added a gromet to the corner, then used a binder ring to clip on my card.<br /><br />Here's a close up of the card:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAd2qaL2Zjc/UDadOkeNUkI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_afAAdosJZI/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAd2qaL2Zjc/UDadOkeNUkI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_afAAdosJZI/s640/IMG_0449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I still need to give this one to some kids to test it out and see if they seem at all interested in it.&nbsp; I figure it's a good way to give them a quiet toy/activity when you're at dinner, etc.&nbsp; Perhaps my nieces can be my test market :)<br /><br />I've been invited to participate in the Leawood Craft Fair on September 28 - it's an outdoor family friendly event so I've decided to try to come up with some kid crafts to sell.&nbsp; I think I'll have two full weeks after we get back from our Honeymoon for me to finish any projects and have some ready for the craft fair...we'll see how that goes!<br /><br />Oh, and I almost forgot my favorite part of this whole I Spy Bag story.&nbsp; I spent a lunch break a few weeks ago at Dollar General and the fabric store getting everything I needed for this.&nbsp; After work I was walking to my car (sort of speed walking because I was super excited to get home and start making my I Spy Bag) and I bumped into a co-worker, Leah.&nbsp; She looked at me and said "You have that glimmer in your eye like you're going to go bedazzle something."&nbsp; It was hilarious, completely true, and proved that my co-workers know me all too well!<br /><br />Alright, well that's all for today!Janes Girl Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13096306443567652941noreply@blogger.com0